Avon Protection has been awarded a three-year contract, with two optional one-year extensions, by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA, Agence OTAN de soutien et d’acquisition) for CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) protective boots and gloves. Launched in 2022, the EXOSKIN range of boots and gloves are manufactured from Avon Protection’s proven rubber technology. The range protects operators against Chemical Warfare Agent, Toxic Industrial Chemical and biological threats. The framework contract will allow NATO nations and partners to place orders for Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-B1 boots and EXOSKIN-G1 gloves.
“This contract further underlines Avon Protection’s close partnership with NATO for the provision of CBRN protection capability. To date several nations have actively deployed the FM50 respirator under the ongoing NSPA framework contract for that system. With the new boots and gloves contract, all NATO nations will now have the ability to acquire our EXOSKIN products, allowing them to benefit from our wider portfolio of market-leading technologies and to keep their operators safe in the field during CBRN situations,” Steve Elwell, President, Respiratory Protection for Avon Protection said.
The ambidextrous EXOSKIN-G1 glove features a rubberised outer layer textured to maintain grip in wet conditions, and an intelligent, seamless inner knitted liner that has a conductive tip on both the thumb and forefinger to enable the wearer to handle and operate electronic touch screen devices. The EXOSKIN-B1 boot provides improved durability and agility in the field, with quick-release straps to secure the garment over standard footwear. A highly textured sole improves the wearer’s manoeuvrability in all underfoot conditions. The EXOSKIN range integrates with many protective suit ensembles, delivering advanced dexterity and agility in the field while maximising protection for the operator.
Avon Protection plc is a British company that specialises in the engineering and manufacturing of respiratory protection equipment for military, law enforcement and fire personnel. The company make products that are trusted to protect the world’s militaries and first responders. Avon Protection portfolio of life-critical protection solutions includes full face respirators, ballistic helmets, escape hoods, SCBA systems, modular PAPR units, thermal imaging cameras and underwater equipment. Its corporate headquarters are 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Melksham in Wiltshire, England, at the Hampton Park West development. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
